When Basil retourned, he was elected and consecrated Metropolitan of western Hercegovina, against his will. As a hierarch, he first lived in the Monastery Tvrdoš and from there, as a good shepherd, strengthened his flock in the Orthodox Faith, protecting them from the cruelty of the Turks and the cunning ways of the Latins. When Basil was exceedingly pressed by his enemies and, when Tvrdoš was destroyed by the Turks, he moved to Ostrog, where he lived an austere ascetical life, protecting his flock by his ceaseless and fervent prayer. [[Patriarch]] [[Gabriel I of Pec|Gavrilo I]] appointed Basil Metropolitan of Eastern Herzegovina November 27, 1651. He died peacefully in the Lord April 29, 1671, leaving behind his incorruptible relics; incorruptible and miracle-working to the present day. The miracles at the grave of St. Basil are without number. Christians and Muslims alike come before his relics and find healing of their most grave illnesses and afflictions. A great people's assembly (pilgrimage) occurs there annually on the Feast of Pentecost.